Agglomerate Particle from the Ventilation System

This particle is from an environmental tapelift collected in an office. Particles have accumulated by impaction on this
plant fiber that was in the ventilation system. Plant fibers that were not trapped in the ventilation system for a time tend to be clean.

Transmitted Circular Polarized Light

Definition/Function:

HVAC agglomerates are particle clusters that are formed in the HVAC sytem. There are two basic sources
for these particles. One is the filter medium where the particles are agglomerated on the surface of the
filter. These particles are knocked loose during filter change-out or if a hole is created in the filter.
The other source is the slow accumulation of particles on the wall of the HVAC duct. These particles start
typically as diffusional deposits. As they first accumulate on the wall they create an isolated stactic
charge. This attracts more particles and the agglomerate begins to grow. It continues to grow until its
mass is sufficient that vibration in the duct jars the agglomerate free and it becomes part of the air
stream. These agglomerates are generally dominated by soot particles and are quite dark in appearance.
At times they may be dominated by a local activity, such as remodeling, and take on a different
appearance. Agglomerates That form in the recycle loop of the HVAC system will include skin flakes and
typical indoor particles rather than the pollens, fine minerals, insect parts, tire wear, etc. associated
with the fresh air supply duct.

Significance in the Environment:

These particles can be knocked loose by cycling the HVAC system, changing filters, vibration in the HVAC system, or
activities that result in jaring any part of the ductwork. Over time all ventilation systems will begin releasing these
particles. The time may be measured in many years with well filtered systems, or a few years for poorly filtered systems.

Characteristic Features:

These agglomerated particles tend to be dominated by paticles from outside if they are from the make-up air part of the
system. The particles are typically less than 15 micrometers in aerodynamic diameter. This is because the particles
have been air-classified.

Associated Particles:

Buildings that are large enough to require an air handling system are near roads. Tire wear, vehicle emissions, and road dust,
are a significant part of the particle challenge to the system. The biological component includes pollens, spores, plant
parts, insect parts, and plant and insect fibers and hairs.

If a significant amount of the air is recycled then skin flakes, clothing fiber, paper fiber, starch, cosmetics, etc. would
be included in the particle.